RescAlert: How a Pensacola Tech Startup Is Revolutionizing Public Safety with AI

Pensacola’s tech scene is quietly evolving, and at its forefront is a local startup that’s changing the way communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. RescAlert, founded by Jakob Carmichael, harnesses the power of AI and innovative software solutions to keep people safe—from natural disasters to threats of domestic terrorism. Jakob’s journey, rooted deeply in Pensacola’s community spirit and entrepreneurial grit, offers a compelling story of vision, resilience, and impact.

From a High School Passion to a Life Mission

Jakob Carmichael’s story begins long before RescAlert became a recognized name in public safety technology. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jakob’s upbringing was shaped by a childhood on the move, following his father’s government contracting work across states and even overseas. Despite the frequent relocations, Pensacola remained home—a place Jakob returned to for school and where his family’s roots go back generations.

“Pensacola is one of the best places to live on the planet,” Jakob says, capturing that rare blend of small-town warmth and city-level amenities. It’s that sense of home and community that fuels his desire to build solutions that protect everyday people.

Jakob’s passion for helping others was evident early on. From mowing lawns for neighbors like Miss Pam to watching “Shark Tank” with his dad and brainstorming business ideas, he was always thinking about how to serve and innovate. But it was Hurricane Harvey in 2017 that crystallized his mission. Watching emergency responders struggle with communication and coordination during the disaster, Jakob saw a problem that demanded a tech solution.

Cracking the Code on Public Safety Coordination

The problem Jakob identified was clear: multiple emergency response organizations—police, fire, EMS, volunteer groups—each operated their own systems, but when disaster struck, these systems didn’t talk to each other. This lack of unified communication led to duplicated efforts and wasted resources. Jakob’s solution was to build an AI-powered platform that integrates all these disparate systems into one streamlined dashboard.

“I built an algorithm that uses AI to map all those systems into one unified platform,” Jakob explains. “Now, a public safety director can manage unlimited organizations from one spot with one password.”

The platform didn’t stop there. Recognizing the overload of data could overwhelm responders, Jakob and his team developed an AI overlay that analyzes incoming data streams in real-time and highlights where attention is needed most. It’s like having a digital assistant that tells responders exactly where to focus their efforts—before disaster strikes.

Overwatch by RescAlert: Safety in Your Pocket

Jakob’s vision extends beyond emergency responders. He wanted to empower the public, too. Enter Overwatch by RescAlert, a free mobile app designed to keep families informed and prepared every day, not just when disaster looms.

Overwatch aggregates weather alerts from the National Weather Service, NOAA, and local stations across the continental U.S. But it goes further by letting users monitor family members’ locations and alerting them to potential threats—whether severe weather or security incidents.

“I travel a lot, and I was frustrated having to sign up for different alerts everywhere I went,” Jakob shares. Overwatch solves this by providing one app that delivers real-time, location-based alerts, no matter where you are.

Upcoming features promise even more direct communication between public safety officials and app users, including the ability to provide “eyes on scene” to dispatchers. This means faster, better-informed responses to emergencies.

Data Security You Can Trust

In a world wary of data privacy, RescAlert takes security seriously. Compliance with federal laws, including HIPAA, is standard, and users have full control over what information they share. They can delete their data at any time, receiving certified confirmation of its removal.

“Our goal is to keep people safe and make them feel comfortable using our app. We want their trust,” Jakob emphasizes.

Why Pensacola? The Heart of Innovation and Community

RescAlert’s base in Pensacola is no accident. Jakob sees the city as a strategic hub for the Southeast, centrally located and rich with entrepreneurial spirit. But more than that, it’s the culture of genuine support that sets Pensacola apart.

“People here want to see others succeed. It’s not transactional; it’s about community,” Jakob says. He credits local mentors like Pete Lautner, Jason Blades, and Mayor DC Reeves for their willingness to help without expecting anything in return.

This “good old boy system,” as Jakob calls it, creates a network where ideas and support flow freely, helping startups like RescAlert thrive. It’s a dynamic that Jakob hopes will only grow stronger as Pensacola embraces its future as a tech-friendly city.

Engineering Solutions with Real Impact: The Graffiti Bridge Project

Jakob’s commitment to local safety is also hands-on. One of his personal projects addresses a notorious Pensacola landmark—the Graffiti Bridge. Despite warning signs, trucks frequently collide with it, causing costly damage and safety hazards.

Jakob has engineered a custom solution aimed at reducing these collisions by 90 to 95 percent using smart technology integrated with RescAlert’s platform. He’s even offered to help fund part of the project personally, underscoring his dedication to giving back to the community.

Leadership, Family, and Building a Team with Heart

Running a tech startup is no small feat, and Jakob credits much of his success to the family and mentors around him. His mother works full-time as the company’s controller, while other family members provide consulting and support. This close-knit approach creates a culture where everyone is driven by the mission to help others.

Jakob’s leadership style is hands-on and personal. Every employee has his personal phone number and can reach him anytime—even for things like a flat tire at 3 a.m. “If I can take care of my people, they will take care of our customers,” he says.

When hiring, Jakob looks for one key trait above all: a servant’s heart. “I can teach anyone the skills, but I want people who genuinely want to help,” he explains. This mindset ensures that RescAlert’s team is not just talented but deeply committed.

Lessons on Education and Entrepreneurship

Jakob’s path didn’t follow the traditional college route. After just two days at Full Sail University, he realized his time was better spent building RescAlert. Still, he later returned part-time to pursue a PhD in computer science, embodying a balanced view on education.

“College isn’t for everyone, but it has its place,” Jakob says. “For me, real-world experience and mentorship have been just as valuable.”

His advice to young entrepreneurs? Test your idea in the market, gather feedback, and build momentum. “Don’t jump in feet first on day one. Start small, validate, and grow.”

Looking Ahead: RescAlert’s Vision for the Future

Jakob sees RescAlert evolving into a global safety company working across federal, state, and local levels worldwide. The goal remains the same: engineer custom solutions that solve specific problems and save lives.

“The mission is to help save lives. If we keep that at the core, the possibilities are endless,” Jakob says. Whether as CEO or advisor, he plans to stay involved for life.

Why RescAlert Matters to Pensacola and Beyond

At its heart, RescAlert is about community safety and empowerment. By unifying emergency response systems and putting predictive, real-time information into the hands of both officials and everyday people, RescAlert is pioneering a smarter, safer way to face the unpredictable.

For Pensacola, it’s a shining example of local innovation with global potential—built on a foundation of family values, community support, and relentless problem-solving.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

RescAlert’s app, Overwatch by RescAlert, is available for free on both Apple and Google Play stores. It’s designed to be part of your daily routine, keeping you informed and ready.

If you’re a government agency or organization interested in partnering with RescAlert, reach out directly at 888-632-0707 or visit RescAlert.com. Jakob is also active on social media—find him on Instagram and LinkedIn at 

By embracing technology and community, RescAlert is helping Pensacola—and the world—predict, prepare, and prevail.

Final Thoughts

Jakob Carmichael’s story teaches us that innovation doesn’t always come from the biggest cities or the most traditional paths. Sometimes, it starts with a clear-eyed view of a problem, a passion to serve, and a willingness to push boundaries. RescAlert is more than a tech startup; it’s a movement toward safer, smarter communities.

As Pensacola continues to grow as a hub for entrepreneurs and creatives, companies like RescAlert remind us that the future is bright when technology meets heart.

Ready to make your community safer? Download Overwatch today, and join the mission.